PESHAWAR: The release of banned goods by the Customs Department not traced on Research and Development (R&D) data has irked the manufacturers-cum-importers of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industries.
The first clearance of goods through green channel created doubts in the minds of trading community. Now the corruption made by the R&D Wing at the Port Qasim has further unmasked the evil face of customs officers at Karachi.
This was said by President of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industries while taking with Customs Today.
Betel nuts and other contraband goods are smuggled by means of hiding the big data of goods’ shipments which cause the exchequer losses. The importers, exporters, officials of FBR, Inland Revenue and consumers, agree that, while creating a “secure business environment for economic development,” there is a need to address all issues including fair use of facilities like Green Channel and One Window facility, said President, Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Zahid Shinwari.
The leaders of the representative bodies at the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry asked the FBR officials in a talk with Customs Today on Monday for coming up with the innovative ideas for improving revenue collection figures by eliminating the menace of smuggling at Qasim Seaport.
“Such moves to clear banned goods within the consignments of permissible goods are not only counterproductive for revenue generation but also has damaged the image of the department,” he lamented.
Zahid Shinwari added that the poor pay structure is also a major cause of corruption as newly appointed officers are supposed to collect more and more taxes in billions but they get salaries as low as rupees 35,000 to 40,000 per month (Appraising Officers in BPS 16).
The SCCI President added that the recent policy enforced through an SRO making the payment of taxes levied on cars imported under Transfer of Residence Scheme for Overseas Pakistanis has resulted in lying of more than 6000 vehicles at Karachi Port. The new conditions or restrictions imposed suddenly and without prior announcement also damage the concept of slogan adopted by WCO for 2018.
